The Lymphatic System Flashcards
Lymphatic Development
Mesoderm produces?
Endoderm produces?
Mesoderm: Lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, spleen & myeloid tissue
Endoderm: Thymus and parts of the tonsils
*Take home message: We have lymphatics early on (5th week)
Physiologic functions of Lymphatic system?
- Immue
- Digestive
- Fluid Balance
- Waste
Spleen
Location
Characteristics
Functions
Location: Under ribs 9-11 on left
Characteristics: Largest single mass of lymphoid tissue, pressure sensitive
Functions: Destroy damaged/deformed RBCs, synthesize Ig’s, Clear bacteria
Anatomically, what drives splenic fluid movement?
Movement of the diaphragm
Liver
Location
Characteristics
Functions
Location: RUQ
Characteristics: Pressure sensitive
Functions: 1/2 of body’s lymph formed in liver, clears bacteria, “gate-keeper” of shared hepatobiliary-pancreatic venous and lymphatic drainage
Thymus
Location
Characteristics
Functions
Location: Anterior mediastinum
Characteristics: Large during infancy, and size peaks at 2 y/o. After puberty, replaced by fatty tissue.
Functions: Maturation site for T cells, little/no function in adults.
Tonsils
Location
Characteristics
Functions
Location: 3 types, all in posterior oropharynx
Characteristics: Most are visible until 6-9m/o, remain enlarged throughout childhood
Functions: Provide cells to influence and build immunity early in life, nonessential to adult immune function
Appendix
Location
Characteristics
Functions
Location: Proximal end of the cecum
Characteristics: contains lymphoid pulp
Functions: part of the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)
Visceral Lymphoid Tissue
What is GALT?
GALT =
Gastrointenstinal Associated Lymphoid Tissue
Includes:
Peyer’s patches, Lacteals
What tissues DO NOT have lymphatic vessels (however use direct diffusion)?
- Epidermis
- Endomysium (inner lining of muscle cells)
- Cartilage
- Bone marrow
What is the order of lymphatic drainage starting from lymphatic capillaries?
Lymphatic capillaries –>
Collecting lymphatics –>
Afferent lymphatic vessels –>
Efferent lymphatic vessels –>
Thoracic duct/R lymphatic duct –>
Venous system
How is extracellular fluid sucked into lymphatic vessels?
Low level negative pressure
The lymphatic collectors consist primarily of chains of muscular units called _____________, which contain _________
These are aka?
Lymphangions
two-leaflet bicuspid valves
“lymphatic hearts”
Lymph nodes
Location
Characteristics
Functions
Location: ALL OVER
Characteristics: Superficial and deep types
Functions: filtration of lymph fluid, matruation of lymphocytes, phagocytosis of bacteria and cellular debris
Describe the path of lymph flow through a lymph node
- Afferent lymphatics
- Subcapsular space
- Outer cortex
- Deep cortex
- Medullary sinus
- Efferent lymphatics